I mentioned a few weeks back that a strike vote might be looming in Chicago. By way of update, on Monday, 90 percent of Chicago Teachers Union members, roughly 23,780 city employees, voted to support a strike if one is called. Although contract talks continue, teachers union chief Karen Lewis called the strike vote not a "win," but rather an “indictment” of the strained relationship between the teachers and Chicago Public Schools officials.

Hoping to avoid the first teachers strike in Chicago public schools since 1987, the union and school district are meeting with the arbitrator up to four times a week. The earliest that teachers can walk out is Aug. 17, four days after classes begin for some students. Most students begin the new school year Sept. 4.